Disney�s first French-language production of THE LION KING extends run at Th��tre Mogador

(May 1, 2008) THE LION KING (�Le Roi Lion�) received three Moliere Awards (France�s Tony Award) on Tuesday, April 29 for Best Musical, Best Costumes and Best Lighting for the French production, which is playing at the Th��tre Mogador in Paris. After opening the Moliere Award�s ceremony on the stage with �The Circle of Life,� the musical received the approval of the evening, not only with the voters of the Academy but also with the audience who was attending the ceremony at the Folies Bergere. With 350,000 spectators in seven months, the extension through August 3rd, and now the announcement of the new season beginning August 19th at Th��tre Mogador, THE LION KING is the theatrical event of the year.

Accepting on Stage, Pedro Gomes, Director General of Stage Entertainment France, received the Moliere for Best Musical from the hands of actor Bruno Solo. �One often says that the light in Africa is filled with spirits and apparitions and that there is a certain feeling in the atmosphere, but tonight the spirits are here with us. Receiving this Moliere is incredibly heartfelt and an enormous honor for the 50 technicians, the 17 musicians, and the 40 French artists of THE LION KING who share this exceptional theatrical adventure with the French public every evening at the Mogador. This adventure would not have been possible without the confidence of Disney Theatrical Productions and the incredible talent of Director Julie Taymor. Thank you to the 350,000 French spectators who have shared our honor since October 4th, and thanks to you for opening the doors of the grand family of French theatre. I have the pleasure to announce tonight in advance the extension of THE LION KING this summer and next season still at the Theatre Mogador.�

Julie Taymor was also personally acknowledged for the creation of the Costumes for THE LION KING, as was Donald Holder for the Lighting Design.

-- Posted May 1, 2008